By Molly Daly

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A ceremony honoring the Delaware Valley’s veterans was held at the Korean War Memorial at Front and Spruce Streets.

Paul Kowalewski served in the Korean War, which has become known as America’s forgotten war. I asked him why it’s important to honor the nation’s veterans.

“They’ve done such a magnificent job, regardless of when or where they were at. We’ve certainly kept the country free. In fact, we’ve kept the world free, just about.”

Is it meaningful to you when people thank you for your service?

“Yes it is. And I hear much more of it in the last, possibly 10 to 20 years than I ever have before.”

In fact, it recently happened in the supermarket.

“I don’t know whether it was the jacket or the hat I was wearing. the father told the little boy, ‘Why don’t you go over and thank that guy.’ So the kid came over, and it was just great, it really meant a lot.”